UNCTAD provides intellectual leadership and serves as a source of expertise on science, technology and innovation (STI) and information and communication technologies (ICTs) policies for development.

UNCTAD’s activities in this area seek to bring the development perspective to international discussions, supporting consensus-building and capacity-building for sound, evidence-based, development-oriented policy in relevant areas.

STI, including ICTs, are an essential component of policies to promote development. They can serve as instruments for supporting relevant components of the national development agenda, helping local industry compete, generating better paying jobs, reducing poverty, promoting export diversification and catching up.

However, the assimilation, diffusion and application of scientific and technological knowledge require investments in human and physical capital, together with the establishment and nurturing of a national innovation system and a systematic effort to access and use relevant knowledge. Policies at the national and international levels are needed to organize and sustain those processes.

Economic and Social Council approved the participation by non-governmental organizations, civil society entities and the business sector entities - including the private sector - in the 10th session of the CSTD.